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Ballet Science

Ballet Science

Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D. 65 Episodes Aug 18, 2026

Ballet Science is a podcast hosted by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., a former ballerina turned biomechanics researcher. Each episode brings science into the ballet studio, exploring the intersection of ballet, dance science, and human movement. Topics include injury prevention, biomechanics, strength, nutrition, mindset, and performance. The show aims to help dancers and anyone who moves perform and feel their best.

Episodes

How Dancers Should Fuel: Nutrition Tips for Ballet | Rachel Fine, RDN
How Dancers Should Fuel: Nutrition Tips for Ballet | Rachel Fine, RDN Aug 18, 2026 00:51:19 What should dancers eat before ballet class? How much should they be eating? What about carbohydrates, hydration, recovery, and snacks during long rehearsals?In this episode, I’m joined by Rachel Fine, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist, former professional dancer, and founder of The Healthy Dancer®. Rachel shares practical, evidence-based advice to help dancers properly fuel their training
Can Ballet Help After Breast Cancer? | What the Science Says
Can Ballet Help After Breast Cancer? | What the Science Says Aug 11, 2026 00:12:47 Can ballet support recovery after breast cancer?A new qualitative research study explored the experiences of women who participated in a 16-week classical ballet program after breast cancer treatment. Rather than measuring strength or flexibility alone, researchers asked a different question: What was the experience actually like?In this episode, I break down the study's five major themes, inc
Is Losing Your Period "Normal" in Ballet? New Research Says...
Is Losing Your Period "Normal" in Ballet? New Research Says... Aug 4, 2026 00:09:55 Is it "normal" for ballet dancers to lose their periods?A new 2025 study of elite dancers from the Paris Opera Ballet found that 71% had experienced at least one menstrual cycle disorder during their careers. In this episode, we break down the research, discuss what these findings mean for dancers, and explain why menstrual health is about much more than fertility.If you're a ballet
Returning to Dance After Concussion at ABT | Courtney Shealy
Returning to Dance After Concussion at ABT | Courtney Shealy Jul 28, 2026 00:39:46 Professional ballet dancers perform incredible athletic feats every day... but what happens when a head injury threatens their career? In this episode, I sit down with Courtney Shealy, a professional dancer with American Ballet Theatre (ABT), to discuss her journey from a young dancer in Florida to one of the world's premier ballet companies.Courtney also shares her recent experience recoverin
Encore: Strength Training for Male Ballet Dancers | Shane Wuerthner
Encore: Strength Training for Male Ballet Dancers | Shane Wuerthner Jul 21, 2026 00:33:55 Should male ballet dancers lift weights? Strength training has become increasingly common in the ballet world, but many dancers still worry that lifting weights will make them bulky, reduce flexibility, or negatively affect their technique.In this Ballet Science Encore episode, I'm revisiting one of the most valuable conversations from the Ballet Science archives with former professional balle
Ballet Retirement, Identity, and Career Transition | Aurora Dickie
Ballet Retirement, Identity, and Career Transition | Aurora Dickie Jul 14, 2026 00:46:51 Professional ballet careers are incredibly rewarding... but they are also short. What happens when the curtain finally closes?In this episode, I sit down with Aurora Dickie, soloist with Staatsballett Berlin and graduate student in dance science, to discuss one of the most important (and often overlooked) topics in ballet: preparing for life after a performing career.Aurora shares her journey from
Hypermobility & EDS in Ballet | Dr. Linda Bluestein
Hypermobility & EDS in Ballet | Dr. Linda Bluestein Jul 7, 2026 00:47:11 Can being too flexible actually increase your risk of injury?Many dancers are praised for their flexibility, but hypermobility isn't always an advantage. In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Linda Bluestein, physician, former ballet dancer, and internationally recognized expert in hypermobility disorders, to discuss what every dancer, teacher, and parent should kn
The Reality of Professional Ballet | Kathryn Morgan
The Reality of Professional Ballet | Kathryn Morgan Jun 30, 2026 00:48:14 Kathryn Morgan is one of the most recognizable names in ballet education, but behind her successful career lies a story of resilience, advocacy, and overcoming a life-changing health diagnosis. In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, Kathryn shares her journey from New York City Ballet to becoming one of the world's leading online ballet educators. We discuss how thyroid disease affecte
What Happens Inside a Pointe Shoe? | PointeSense
What Happens Inside a Pointe Shoe? | PointeSense Jun 23, 2026 00:51:13 Have you ever wondered what is actually happening inside a pointe shoe? In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, I sit down with Christine Fernandez and Kaitlyn Kumar, co-founders of PointeSense, a wearable technology designed to provide real-time feedback during pointe work.Using pressure sensors and motion tracking technology, PointeSense aims to help dancers, teachers, fitters, and health
Hypermobility in Ballet: Advantage or Injury Risk?
Hypermobility in Ballet: Advantage or Injury Risk? Jun 16, 2026 00:13:21 Can hypermobility help ballet dancers... or increase injury risk? In this episode, we explore the science of hypermobility and its role in ballet training. Learn the difference between flexibility and hypermobility, why hypermobile dancers are often drawn to ballet, how conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) fit into the conversation, and why strength and stability may be even more import
Dance and Menopause: What the Research Says
Dance and Menopause: What the Research Says Jun 9, 2026 00:12:00 Can dance improve mental and physical health during menopause? In this episode, we explore a 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effects of dance interventions on perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women.Researchers analyzed multiple studies involving dance styles such as Zumba, jazz dance, traditional cultural dances, sports dance, and dance movement therapy. The re
Why Ballet Dancers Customize Their Pointe Shoes
Why Ballet Dancers Customize Their Pointe Shoes Jun 1, 2026 00:11:01 Why do ballerinas destroy brand new pointe shoes before dancing in them? In this episode, we explore the fascinating science, biomechanics, and artistry behind breaking in pointe shoes. From bending the shank and crushing the box to darning, rosin, jet glue, and sewing ribbons with dental floss, professional ballet dancers completely customize their shoes to match their feet and performance needs.

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